FCT CJ decries high rate of child trafficking in Nigeria

The Chief Judge (CJ) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Justice Ishaq Bello, has decried the high rate of child trafficking in Nigeria and called for concerted efforts to end the scourge.

The CJ said child labour is a serious concern for millions of children all over Nigeria, which is compromising their right to education.Justice Bello, who disclosed at an essay and art competition for secondary school students in the FCT, Edo, Ogun and Oyo states, with the theme, ‘The Effects of Child Trafficking in Nigeria,’ noted that the FCT High Court has concluded plans to establish a special court to try cases of child trafficking.

He stated that the Nigerian constitution elaborately outlines the rights of children and the fact that they need to be protected from activities that may injure their future.

In her remarks, Project Manager, Hope-Aid Organisation, Ruth Ataguba, said the competition was organised to inform, educate and involve children, youth and the public on the need to be responsive to issues related to child migration and trafficking.

The aim of this year’s competition is to create awareness of the ECOWAS protocol on free movement of persons and the hazards of irregular migration, trafficking and child labour.